Superb Soprano
WHAT: Maria Jette and the Minnesota Sinfonia
WHERE: Roseville Lutheran Church, Roseville
WHEN: 7 p.m.
If you’ve pledged to indulge in a little more culture in the New Year (a good resolution, considering all the opportunities in the Twin Cities), kick things off this weekend by checking out the Minnesota Sinfonia. Tonight’s program features Maria Jette, a Cities-based soprano, belting out five classical pieces by the likes of Mozart and Puccini. For more information, look to the Minnesota Sinfonia.
Coffee, Anyone?
WHAT: 2 Sugars, Room for Cream
WHERE: Park Square Theatre, St. Paul
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Shanan Custer and Carolyn Pool take their daily cups of joe seriously—kind of. The Twin Cities actresses write and perform 2 Sugars, Room for Cream, a series of comedic vignettes centering on steaming Starbucks cups. The show netted the two sassy performers a 2013 Ivey Award; get more info and find tickets at the Park Square Theatre site.
Saturday, January 10
Frozen
WHAT: Ice Castles
WHERE: The Ice Castle, Eden Prairie
WHEN: 12 p.m.
Looking for an upside to winter’s chill? Head out to Eden Prairie, where one of the country’s four hand-built ice castles opens this weekend. Created from icicles (more than 5,000 are harvested and sculpted daily), the castle will be open for wandering throughout the season. Check out the daytime sparkle, but don’t miss the magic when the lights come on at night. Check out the Ice Castles site for ticket information.
A Theatrical Faceoff
WHAT: Xtreme Theatre Smackdown 2015
WHERE: Anne Simley Theatre
WHEN: 8 p.m.
Twelve playwrights work in teams of two to pen six shows—and get them up and running in 24 hours. This annual event, presented by Theatre Unbound, highlights female theater talent in the Twin Cities—the writers work all night, the actors and cast work all day, and the doors open at 8 p.m. To see what they dream up, buy tickets at the Theatre Unbound website.
Sunday, January 11
A Centennial Celebration
WHAT: Family Day—100 Years
WHERE: The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Mpls.
WHEN: 11 a.m.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is celebrating its 100th birthday in a big way—all year long. This weekend’s family event has something for everyone. From creating cubist collages and learning about Picasso to getting a lesson in Jackson Pollock’s splattery painting style, there are plenty of fun art projects to take part in, plus live music, classic cartoon screenings, and a gallery hunt. To learn more, go to the museum’s website.
All Around the World
WHAT: Dobet Gnahoré
WHERE: The Ordway Music Theater, St. Paul
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Contemporary singer Dobet Gnahoré is bringing a sound of pop Africa to the Twin Cities with this concert, part of the Target World Music Series. Gnahoré will perform soft ballads and more upbeat tunes; head to the show an hour early to explore the history of Afro-pop with local experts. For ticket info, check out the Ordway site.
